The architecture and interior design of this idyllic Naples vacation home was heavily influenced by the strong retail industry background of its metropolitan owners. Once at the helm of a trend-setting chain of athletic stores, the couple desired a forward-thinking home to accommodate their many visitors. Working with builder Brian Mayotte of BUILD, they selected architect Mark Leonardi and Freestyle Interiors to deliver their exacting design, and to do it in eleven months—in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

“It’s a fantastic house. It is refreshing, it’s new. It has been well received—it is the direction design is headed. It gets away from the Tuscan look, with clean modern lines, tall windows, and less trim,” explains Brian Mayotte, Vice President of BUILD.

The owners had an immediate connection with the vision architect Leonardi and interior designer Gloria Black had for their future home. “This project is not the typical project for us—we focused much more on the interior versus the exterior forms of the building,” says Leonardi noting, “We designed the majority of the interior architecture with Freestyle’s collaboration on the finishes, colors, and furnishings which are beautiful complements to the architectural design.”

The collaboration resulted in floor-to-ceiling windows, gallery-style walls, and an unforgiving contemporary design requiring near perfection to make it work. BUILD drew upon the company’s commercial background to execute the exacting design. “There is no room for error in a contemporary home, unlike traditional homes with trim and beams and the frill that you put in there which hides imperfections,” Mayotte points out.

The couples’ art collection intended for the gallery-style walls drove the completion of its interior. Black created a clean, neutral palette allowing the art to be the focal point in each room. During many meetings with the clients Black honed in on the couple’s love for shades of blue which she incorporated throughout the home. “They wanted a metropolitan, urban aesthetic, with a lot of new and current finishes. The neutrals worked best with pops of color,” describes Black.

With only a few pieces of artwork missing from the walls, the owners and their many guests celebrated Thanksgiving in their new home. “We delivered this house in eleven months. Despite multiple design changes and the delays from Hurricane Irma, BUILD hit its promised target date,” says Mayotte. “That is a testament to our commitment and integrity. We deliver on our promises.”

Timeless, regionally modern design defines this Naples’ residence designed to the urban tastes of its art-loving owners. The home’s floor to ceiling windows add to the drama of the architectural design. A truly white exterior provides sophisticated contrast with the dark gray flat tile roof and polished gray stone pavers. The home’s entryway is clad in a neutral stone under a dark-stained wood roof.

A showpiece unto itself, the great room’s gallery wall features a textural work of art created by Brazilian Vik Muniz using pieces of post cards positioned to depict the Brooklyn Bridge. A modern sectional is accented with pillows in fabrics from Casamance, Maharam, and Donghia in colors drawn from the artwork, and catering to the clients’ favored blues. The swivel chairs, a favorite of Black’s, are from A. Rudin. The wall behind the television was made by Walls 4 Naples using a liquid metallic process to add texture and a glint of shimmer. The room’s white walls are vibrant against the warm Portofino finish of the Legno Bastone Wide Plank European White Oak flooring installed by Naples Flooring Company. AlliKristé Custom Cabinetry created the floating media cabinet beneath the television.

The home’s floor-to-ceiling windows create a walkway of light leading to the guest suites and illustrate how the landscaping influences the views from both inside and out. Black selected four round mirrors to fill the space, a modern play on the Palace of Versailles hall of mirrors. Architect Leonardi says the windows “… change your perception of interior spaces and enhance the idea of blurring spatial connections between inside and outside.”

The idea of a large, communal gathering space drove the kitchen design with dual Pompeii quartz topped islands just off the great room and dining area. AlliKristé Custom Cabinetry designed a must have galley work station with dual faucets offering superior functionality—the perfect solution prepping, serving and cleanup. Minimalist Vibia pendants provide ample work light. AlliKristé European-style, white-painted low sheen cabinetry is complemented by rift-cut white oak in the bar and island to coordinate with the flooring. 3D faceted subway tile shimmers as it catches the light. Pneumatic kitchen stools used in varying heights at both islands are upholstered in a periwinkle polyurethane for beauty and durability. The casual dining area opens onto the covered lanai.

The dining area showcases an origami-like six-foot Foscarini chandelier which seemingly floats over the grandiose seven-foot diameter white concrete table with curvaceous stainless steel base, custom designed by Black. White leather Ligne Roset chairs encircle the round table which was a “must” for conversation. “Our client wanted sleek, modern and durable because they really enjoy entertaining. Glass, concrete, and metal finishes were fitting those needs,” explains Black. A wet bar with up-lit shelving showcases the rich color of the clients’ Scotch and whiskey collection.

Bright and light, but “sultry” was Black’s vision for the master bedroom. She custom-designed the headboard and bedframe in a supple, leather-like Kravet vinyl. A light box installed behind the bed emphasizes the textural Phillip Jeffries wallcovering. The stunning bedside lamps are true design classics, originally designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977. The nightstands are powder-coated metal and acid-etched glass with touch-latch drawers. The Baker Furniture media unit is also powder-coated metal with carved white lacquered doors. Ligne Roset lounge chairs are perfectly positioned near the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The lanai ceiling is stained to tie-in with the wood of the front entry ceiling. BUILD finished the outdoor kitchen and television wall in the same wood. Modern, industrial-looking brushed nickel fans from Lighting First complement the ceiling detail. Sleek, white, Kartell pneumatic stools line the island. A Brown Jordan sectional was selected for its comfort and clean lines. Black uses two dining tables which can be combined for flexibility when entertaining. BUILD drew upon its commercial resources to create the custom Bocce court just beyond lanai.

Landscape architect Christian Andrea of Architectural Land Design focused on complementing the strong architectural lines and floor to ceiling windows in the home. “The spa is centered on the pool and the vertical wet wall element which provides a dramatic back-lit ambient glow to the spa,” notes Andrea. The sizable pool deck meets the clients’ desire, offering plenty of lounging and entertaining space. Three water bowls balanced on the pool coping are adjacent to the sun shelf. Andrea notes the plant palette in the rear yard has a tropical influence through his selection of wind swept coconut palms, and a mix of dramatic colors.